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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Jessie Wang

Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter

Chancellor Robert Jones and University Spokesperson Robin Kaler speak to The Daily Illini Editorial Board during a roundtable discussion on April 7. Jonesʼ term as Chancellor will end in June.

Chancellor Jones reflects on time at UI

By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer • May 11, 2025
UIPD responded to Talbot Laboratory on Wednesday after reports of an armed suspect threatening a female.

UIPD reports to Talbot Laboratory following safety concern

By Jessie Wang and Anna Ceja • April 30, 2025
Charlie Kirk makes an introductory speech to The American Comeback Tourʼs stop at the University on April 8.

Charlie Kirk speaks at UI, fills Foellinger Auditorium

By Aidan Miller-Hisgen, Jessie Wang, Anna Ceja, Anya Nair, Drake Facchinello and Qaasim Jatoi • April 9, 2025
Two University computer science students' LinkedIn profiles pitted against each other on UIUC Ranked, a website created by two junior Statistics & CS students. The website sparked controversy and discussion after being announced on Tuesday.

Cracked or Not? New website compares LinkedIn profiles of UI’s CS majors

By Jessie Wang and Aakarsh Garg • April 3, 2025
UIPD officers use force to enter the encampment as protesters link arms on April 26, 2024. The Champaign County State’s Attorney charged several protestors, including University students, with mob action.

This week in news: Chancellor Jones named commencement speaker, judge denies pro-Palestine motion

By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer • March 17, 2025
Houndmouth lead singer and guitarist Matt Myers sings at the Canopy Club in Urbana on Mar. 4.

Why so blue? Houndmouth performs at The Canopy Club

By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer • March 6, 2025
Fruits lay in crates hang on racks for shoppers to add to their cart at Harvest Market on Feb. 18.

Best of CU ’25 | Best Grocery Store: Harvest Market

By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer • March 6, 2025
Redshirt sophomore Tyler Bowers readies for a forehand shot during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

Men’s tennis strikes gold

By Athena Ly and Jessie Wang • February 18, 2025
To swipe or not to swipe: All is fair in love and code

To swipe or not to swipe: All is fair in love and code

By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer • February 4, 2025
Chancellor Robert Jones speaks at a UI System Board of Trustees meeting in May 2023.

Chancellor Robert Jones named next president of University of Washington

By Aidan Miller-Hisgen and Jessie Wang • February 3, 2025
Police attempt to breach a circle of protesters to remove tents during the encampment protest next to Alma Mater on April 26, 2024.

UI student charged with mob action files motion to dismiss on First Amendment grounds

By Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • January 6, 2025
Man behind barn dance tradition reveals origin story

Man behind barn dance tradition reveals origin story

By Jessie Wang and Lauren Castaldo • December 18, 2024
Chancellor Robert Jones prepares to give the State of the University address on Jan. 24, 2020.

Chancellor Jones to step down in June 2025

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • November 13, 2024
Champaign County votes to keep auditor, Danos reelected

Champaign County votes to keep auditor, Danos reelected

By Jessie Wang and Alice Mei • November 6, 2024
Nikki Budzinksi wins reelection

Nikki Budzinksi wins reelection

By Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • November 6, 2024
Former President Donald Trump (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right).

National election 2024: Live coverage

By The Daily Illini News Staff • November 5, 2024
Paul Faraci wins election to Illinois State Senate

Paul Faraci wins election to Illinois State Senate

By Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • November 6, 2024
ISC president speaks on successes, expressive activity, fossil fuel divestment

ISC president speaks on successes, expressive activity, fossil fuel divestment

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • November 6, 2024
Voters wait in line at the University YMCA at 8:03 a.m. Polls opened at 6 a.m.

UPDATED: Champaign County voting system down this morning, now back up

By Alice Mei, Aidan Miller-Hisgen, Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • November 5, 2024
Candidate signs in front of the Illini Union on Oct. 24 encouraging eligible students to vote.

Long lines plague Illini Union early voting

By Jessie Wang and Park Mitchell • November 4, 2024
Candidate signs in front of the Illini Union on Oct. 24 encouraging eligible students to vote.

Breaking down who is on CU’s ballot

By Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • October 24, 2024
UI Election Day guide

UI Election Day guide

By Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • October 23, 2024
Illini Chabad holds a demonstration at Anniversary Plaza on Monday including structures such as milk cartons depicting photos of American hostages captured by Hamas and several large art installations.

Hillel, Chabad partner with Milk Carton Project

By Mary Piacente and Jessie Wang • October 16, 2024
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski stands in the University YMCA on S. Wright St. Friday, Oct. 4. Congresswoman Budzinski has served as the U.S. representative for Illinois’ 13th congressional district since 2023.

Rep. Budzinski reflects on first term, talks reelection

By Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • October 16, 2024
The outside of Wassaja Hall on the corner of East Gregory and South First streets on March 24.

University Housing, RAs speak on UI dorm shortage

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • October 11, 2024
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and its driver, Sarahkraut, on the corner of Wright and Sixth streets on Oct. 10.

Hot dog! Ginormous wiener spotted in CU

By Jessie Wang and Aidan Miller-Hisgen • October 10, 2024
Students draped with the Israeli flag hug as they are filled with emotion at the Oct. 7 memorial held on the Main Quad this Monday.

1 year after Oct. 7, UI remembers

By Anna Ceja, Jessie Wang, Mary Piacente and Michael Sweeney • October 7, 2024
Protestors demand action at Champaign Courthouse, ask for ceasefire resolution

Protestors demand action at Champaign Courthouse, ask for ceasefire resolution

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • October 6, 2024
Annie Feldmeier Adams discusses Urbana mayoral candidacy

Annie Feldmeier Adams discusses Urbana mayoral candidacy

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • October 1, 2024
Students dine in the ISR dining hall, located at 1010 W. Illinois St., for breakfast on a Sunday morning on March 24, 2024.

Students report long lines, limited options at dining halls

By Reyanna Paul, Michael Sweeney, Jessie Wang and Anna Ceja • September 24, 2024
Timothy Killeen, president of the University System, speaks at the Siebel Center for Design on Oct. 8, 2022.

UI System approves $8.3 billion operating budget for 2025

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • September 24, 2024
Illinois has the 3rd highest average in-state tuition — here’s why

Illinois has the 3rd highest average in-state tuition — here’s why

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • September 17, 2024
UI political RSOs react to Trump, Harris debate

UI political RSOs react to Trump, Harris debate

By Mary Piacente and Jessie Wang • September 12, 2024
The Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.

Students react: Supreme Court keeps hold on Biden’s student loan plan

By Jessie Wang and Sam Gregerman • August 29, 2024
Students walk to class as Foellinger Auditorium exterior is blocked off in response to vandalism upon the building’s columns.

UIPD investigating criminal damage to Foellinger Auditorium

By Jessie Wang and Alice Mei • August 28, 2024
UI impacted by CrowdStrike-caused Windows outages

UI impacted by CrowdStrike-caused Windows outages

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • July 19, 2024
A pro-Palestine protestor holding up a sign that reads “divest now” at the SJP encampment near Alma Mater on April 26. The University invested more than $27 million in companies linked to the war in Israel and Gaza in 2023.

Deconstructing divestment: UI invested $27 million in companies linked to war in Gaza in 2023

By Aidan Miller-Hisgen and Jessie Wang • June 11, 2024
Cat café to open in Champaign this fall

Cat café to open in Champaign this fall

By Jessie Wang and Reyanna Paul • May 7, 2024
Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan speaks to a crowd of Jewish students in front of the Illini Union on the Main Quad on May 6.

Live Coverage: State representative statements surround day 9 of encampment

By The Daily Illini News Staff • May 6, 2024
A speaker calls demonstrators liars with a megaphone at the encampment on Friday.

Live coverage: Encampment keeps on to sixth day

By The Daily Illini News Staff • May 3, 2024
Protesters rest in tents stationed in front of Foellinger Auditorium early Thursday morning.

Live coverage: Encampment continues to day 5 on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • May 2, 2024
Protester rests beside the self-proclaimed liberation zone Tuesday morning.

Live coverage: Third day of encampment persists on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 30, 2024
Tents are set up on the south side of the Main Quad during April 29, the second day of encampment (Alyssa Shih).

Live coverage: Day 2 of SJP, ASA encampment continues on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 29, 2024
Protesters assemble on the Main Quad to reestablish an encampment. The SJP UIUC Instagram page posted a call for demonstrators at 1:17 p.m.

Live coverage: SJP calls for reinstated encampment on the Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 28, 2024
An attendee is taken into custody by UIPD during a Palestine encampment in front of Alma Mater on Friday morning.

Live coverage: Students supporting Palestine hold encampment at Alma Mater

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 26, 2024
Yeonmi Park speaks at Illini Union on Thursday.

Yeonmi Park, North Korean defector, speaks at Illini Union

By Jessie Wang and Abrahám Chávez • April 26, 2024
The new Campus Recreation Fitness Courts on Oak Street and Gregory Drive in Champaign.

Campus Recreation opens new outdoor fitness courts

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • April 17, 2024
A group of moms and their children riding an Illini Pub Cycle on Green Street, Saturday, April 13.

Moms Weekend 2024: Live Coverage

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 10, 2024
Monica Lewinsky speaks at TED2015 on March 19, 2015 in Vancouver, Canada.

Monica Lewinsky shares experience, advocates against cyberbullying at Union

By Jessie Wang and Michael Bales • April 9, 2024
A professor demos the Tesla coil at the end of the day by setting a piece of wood on fire.

EOH held at University, brings thousands of visitors

By Jessie Wang, Senior News Reporter • April 6, 2024
Venus Overdrive, a Champaign-native band, performs before Kangaroo Court takes the stage at the Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana on Nov. 4.

Best of CU | Best Local Band: Venus Overdrive

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • March 28, 2024
A tablet and a cup of coffee in The Literary on March 23.

Best of CU | Best Off-Campus Study Spot: The Literary

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • March 28, 2024

Nikki Budzinski to face Joshua Loyd in November election for 13th Congressional District

By Jessie Wang, Abrahám Chávez, Anna Ceja and Alice Mei • March 20, 2024
Champaign Fire Department crews responding to a fire at 212 S. First St. on Nov 7.

METCAD 911 not available to receive calls

By Aidan Miller-Hisgen and Jessie Wang • March 7, 2024

Oskee’s Sports Pub to open this spring

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • March 7, 2024
Sarah Coffman, senior in LAS, Dennielle Monge-Vargas, senior in LAS, and Jillian Butler, senior in Engineering, pose outside of The Red Lion while celebrating Unofficial.

Unofficial 2024: Live updates post-leap day

By News Staff • March 1, 2024
United States Senator and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky speaking at CPAC 2011 in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 10, 2011.

Mitch McConnell to step down as Senate minority leader in November

By Jessie Wang and Abrahám Chávez • February 28, 2024
The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory located on South Goodwin Avenue and Hazelwood Drive.

College of Veterinary Medicine sends acceptance letters to wrong students

By Jessie Wang and Michael Bales • February 28, 2024
Tonkotsu ramen, vegetable gyoza, and edamame at Susuru Ramen on Green St.

Susuru Ramen opens on Green Street

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • February 24, 2024
Thomas Clatterbuck

UI law student Thomas Clatterbuck discusses congressional campaign

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • February 7, 2024
A refrigerated truck was wedged under the Campustown bridge between Neil and First streets on Tuesday night.

Refrigerated truck stuck under Campustown bridge

By Aidan Miller-Hisgen and Jessie Wang • January 30, 2024
Illinois offers grants to improve reproductive health services

Illinois offers grants to improve reproductive health services

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • January 25, 2024
UI student found dead, UIPD to investigate further

UI student found dead, UIPD to investigate further

By Ella Narag and Jessie Wang • January 20, 2024
Classes to resume on Tuesday as planned, UI says

Classes to resume on Tuesday as planned, UI says

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • January 13, 2024
Urbana man faces 45 years for sexual assault of UI student

Urbana man faces 45 years for sexual assault of UI student

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • January 8, 2024
Illinois minimum-wage workers to see pay raise on Jan. 1, 2024

Illinois minimum-wage workers to see pay raise on Jan. 1, 2024

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • December 28, 2023
Chancellor Robert Jones passionately speaks at the Illini Chabad grand opening Oct. 19., 2023.

Chancellor Jones releases annual State of the University report

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • December 18, 2023
Budzinski introduces Grocery, Farm and Food Stabilization Act

Budzinski introduces Grocery, Farm and Food Stabilization Act

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • December 13, 2023

Q&A with new UI trustee Jesse Ruiz

By Jessie Wang and Piotr Fedczuk • December 4, 2023

Dads Weekend: Live coverage

By Reyanna Paul, Sonpari Singh, Jessie Wang and Meghna Sarkar • November 11, 2023
Protestors gather in front of the Alma Mater statue on Thursday.

PSL holds protest for Azaan Lee, Jordan Richardson

By Jessie Wang and Reyanna Paul • October 31, 2023

UIPD arrests shooter who fired shots on Green, Second streets

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • October 19, 2023
Advocates, students and members of the community gather in front of the Alma Mater statue on Thursday as Students for Justice in Palestine hold a protest.

SJP, community members hold Palestine solidarity rally

By Lisa Chasanov, Ella Narag and Jessie Wang • October 12, 2023
Shots fired on Green, Second streets

Shots fired on Green, Second streets

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • October 9, 2023

CU celebrates Queer Homecoming as part of Pride Fest

By Anneliese Cornejo Garcia and Jessie Wang • October 8, 2023

Champaign home prices rise as home sales, inventory fall

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • October 4, 2023
The scene of Tuesday night's fire at Memorial Stadium.

Fire reported at Memorial Stadium

By Jessie Wang, Jacob Slabosz and Lisa Chasanov • October 3, 2023

Dean of Gies College of Business to step down after this year

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • September 27, 2023

Champaign Public Library Board of Trustees discusses Studio opening, upcoming events

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • September 21, 2023
Protestors march through the Main Quad during the Students for Environmental Change climate protest on Friday.

SECS protests UI’s inaction to divest from fossil fuels

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • September 15, 2023

A history of Black student housing at UI

By Jessie Wang and Diamond Steward-Hutton • September 10, 2023

Nikki Budzinski holds roundtable with Veterans

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • September 7, 2023

Champaign Fire Department to hold 9/11 memorial ceremony

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • September 6, 2023
Three arrested for August 22 robbery

Three arrested for August 22 robbery

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • August 27, 2023
Tacool Tacos, originally located on the East John Street, on Aug 24 were closed. Tacool bids farewell amidst disagreements with the restaurant owner, and transforms into Taco 7.

Family behind Tacool announce departure from restaurant

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • August 24, 2023
Pittsburgh Synagogue gunman sentenced to death

Pittsburgh Synagogue gunman sentenced to death

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • August 3, 2023
Ken (Ryan Gosling) and Barbie (Margot Robbie) ride in a pink car in "Barbie" (2023)

Column | The ‘Barbie’ movie, unboxed

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • July 24, 2023
Resources to stay safe on campus

Resources to stay safe on campus

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • June 16, 2023
A digital version of the Signet Classics cover of "1984" by George Orwell

Column | ‘1984’ has maintained its relevance for 75 years

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • June 8, 2023
The Bread Company, a restaurant and coffee shop, is a popular study spot for many students.

Where to cram: A comprehensive guide to study spots on campus

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • June 7, 2023
How a UI startup is bringing sports mentorship into the community

How a UI startup is bringing sports mentorship into the community

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • May 17, 2023

UI selects new dean of School of Social Work

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • May 12, 2023
Nnedi Okorafor continues to inspire with her award-winning literature

Nnedi Okorafor continues to inspire with her award-winning literature

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • May 6, 2023

COVID-19 to end as public health emergency beginning mid-May

By Jessie Wang and Diamond Steward-Hutton • May 3, 2023
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